Generator to alternator conversion

G'day all.
Is it worthwhile upgrading a 1969-1200 Bug from a generator to an alternator ? What are the pros & cons?

Are you sure that it is a 1969-1200 Bug?

Oops No! - Slip of the finger. She is a 1959. Sorry.😢

Anybody? Somebody! If there was no improvement why do it?

Unless you have issues with the current set up it would be not worth the trouble

Is the engine still a 36hp or has it been swapped for a later 40hp with the separate generator stand?
that will dictate how easy an alternator conversion is.

Pros of an Alternator -

higher output, stock gen is only 30amp, alternators start from 50 and go up and handle loads better.
far more effecient, gens need to get some revs up before they start charging fully, alternators charge consistantly and create less parasitic draw on the engine
internally regulated so no more regulator - one less weak link

Cons -

Need the stand swapped if its a gen style one (not possible on 36hp engines)
May need the fuel pump swapped
can sometimes interfere with carb linkages
Minor wiring alterations
Many aftermarket ones are poorly made junk and don;t last long.

Best thing I ever did to my 1200 64 model. Much more reliable. I'm still using 6volt starter and fuel gauge which still works fine and it starts awesome. Changing dash bulbs etc bit of a pain but worth the reliability and brighter lights at night are a bonus.

L7back wrote:G'day all.
Is it worthwhile upgrading a 1969-1200 Bug from a generator to an alternator ? What are the pros & cons?

Hi
If Your car has been changed to 12 volts then its a fairly simple process..
Generator stand needs to be changed to an alternator stand, unless You have changed the stand to an aftermarket chromed or polished one then it will already be OK for an alternator, otherwise You need to change it over as an alternator will NOT fit onto a generator stand..
[without modifications]
check out; vollks.com.au ; website there are pictures of the parts needed.. and a kit is available..
a Bosch alternator is the preferred choice.. with internal regulator... although I saw some that were made in the USA..
The others are a hit and miss affair.. with some aftermarket [chinese] alternators being totally useless, if You can get a warranty with it then it SHOULD be OK.. You will need to check on the belt pulley, some, when done up, tighten onto the alternator itself, which is unuseable.. without some extra spacer etc needed.

The pros, are that they put out heaps more power than a generator, and from when the engine is started, not when revving the engine like a generator.
Many people have changed over to alternators, especially when changing their car from 6v to 12 volts which is a good [recommended] idea,
Even if Your car is already 12 volts then I still prefer the alternator to the generator. Its not a necessity really, just a preference.. some people like to stick to the old technolegy,
but I prefer the Alternator with its 600+ watts output..
The 50-55 ampere Alternator with internal regulator is recommended by Me.. The larger ones are just not needed..
IMHO.. unless You want to have very large audio amplifiers and huge speakers...
Once You have changed to 12 volts, You can then fit a pointless ignition system so You never have to set the points again.. Pertronix or Accu-fire or Plazmex..

Cons... just the cost.. if You think that Your current 12 volt generator and regulator are working OK, lights are OK and bright enough, wipers OK, and engine starts OK and battery doesn't go flat..
then there is really no BIG advantage in having the alternator..
Simply speaking, An alternator is just a modern version of the generator and voltage regulator.. although it puts out a lot more power at low revs..
If You don't have spare cash laying around.. and Your generator is working OK... stick with it..

cheers

LEE

Thanks guys, I'm planning on putting a front driving light and fog light on the front and a 1950's Ford stop light on the rear. With the extra juice needed to run the lights and the increased reliability and efficiency it seems to be a no brainer, conversion it is. 👍

Ps. She is one of the first 40hp.1200 motors.